Debuts for Singleton and Aiono in Wales Six Nations opener

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption,

Seren Singleton and Jorja Aiono are among 10 players in Wales' starting line-up who have played in the Celtic Challenge this season

ByCeri Coleman-PhillipsBBC Sport Wales

Published57 minutes ago
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Sean Lynn has selected two uncapped players for Wales' opening game of the Women's Six Nations against Scotland on Saturday (16:40 BST).

Lock Jorja Aiono and wing Seren Singleton have been given the nod for their Test debuts after impressing for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge.

Kate Williams leads the side, with Alex Callender ruled out of the tournament through injury, while former captain Hannah Dallavalle is set to win her 70th cap.

But there is no place in the match day squad for international regulars Carys Phillips and Jasmine Joyce.

"Jorja and Seren fully deserve this opportunity and have impressed in the Celtic Challenge and in camp," said head coach Lynn.

"Jorja has a real physicality and edge to her game that we need and Seren's work-ethic and willingness to put her body on the line for the cause are the attributes we are looking for."

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Williams makes up an experienced back row with Bethan Lewis and Bryonie King.

Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu reunite in the front row, with Gwen Crabb joining Aiono as locks.

Keira Bevan and Lleucu George are the half-backs, with Kayleigh Powell preferred at full-back.

Carys Cox and Courtney Keight are given more time to form a midfield partnership from the World Cup, while Lisa Neumann and Singleton are named on the wings.

Lynn has opted for a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench, including the experience of Donna Rose, Georgia Evans and Dallavalle.

Guinness Women's Six Nations

11 April to 17 May

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Watch every match live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app; listen to match commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds; follow live text and match highlights online

Wales are looking for their first Six Nations win under Lynn, who has now been in the job for 12 months.

They have finished with the wooden spoon for the past two championships and also endured a disappointing World Cup, bowing at the pool stage last summer.

However, with the introduction of a new backroom staff and nine uncapped players in the squad, Lynn has a clean slate from which to work.

He said: "This is a fresh start for Wales and is the first step for this new group of players, coaches and staff, and we had plenty of debate around the selection of this team.

"The players know we are representing the nation, our families and ourselves and this is an opportunity to show who we are and what it means to wear the red jersey."